Young volunteers from the Plymouth arm of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) have received a 2008 Conservation Award from South West Lakes Trust for work undertaken to construct a sturdy new pond dipping platform in Burrator Arboretum.

Following a growing interest in learning more about waterside habitats, the Conservation team at Burrator Reservoir has designed the new facility, and the new structure was a joint venture between South West Lakes Trust and volunteers from PEA (Plymouth Environmental Action - a new youth lead project supported by BTCV). It will be open to anyone with an interest in wildlife, and school groups and photographers in particular. The new platform was built with locally-sourced timber, allowing improved, safe access to the water's edge, and provides a valuable resource to enable study of ponds, their species and habitat.

Located at the back of the Arboretum, next to the second river bridge, the area is a stronghold for dragonflies and damselfies. Pond dipping sessions should also reveal their nymphs and a wide range of freshwater invertebrates.

Neil Reeves, Conservation Officer at Burrator said, "After the big storm of 1987, rather than replanting with conifers, Burrator Arboretum and its pond were created as an easy access area rich in wildlife for all to enjoy. The new platform is the latest activity in our programme to improve access for everyone.

Emily Cannon, from BTCV in Plymouth said, "Our volunteers really enjoyed being involved in all aspects of the project, from designing the dipping platform to constructing it in 2 days. Everyone demonstrated exceptional teamwork, and felt very proud in their achievements!" This event was made possible through Greenprints, which is funded by SITA Trust & V, dedicated to helping young people improve green spaces in our communities."

Emily Cannon and volunteers on the newly-constructed platform

Anyone interested in using the new facility at Burrator as an education resource should contact Neil Reeves on 01822 855700.